Act of bravery saved man

Aimee Carlin with Governor for NSW, Margaret Beazley, at Government House last week
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When Emu Plains resident Aimee Carlin saw a man drowning at Tuncurry Beach in 2018, she knew she had to step in and help.

She put her own life on the line to save the man, and has now been honoured for her efforts in going above and beyond in a time of crisis.

Last week she was presented with a bravery award, recognition for the quick thinking and amazing skills she showed on that day.

“We spend every summer holidays in Tuncurry and while walking the dog we could hear someone yelling out for help and they were going underwater with the waves,” Ms Carlin told the Weekender.

“There were a lot of people around but they were older so I ran down to the beach and with the help of a boy named Lucas, who had a surfboard, we managed to get him above the water and back to shore while we waited for an ambulance.”

Despite being scared, Ms Carlin, who is a local learn to swim instructor and triathlete, knew that she needed to help the man.

“At the time I didn’t think of it as a bravery thing, he was drowning and someone had to help him. At first when it was on the News, I didn’t want the attention but as I get older, I realise it is amazing that I was there and made that decision to help him,” Ms Carlin said.

Ms Carlin attended an event at Government House with other courageous people from around NSW. She was awarded High Commendations by the Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley.

“I didn’t think much of it until I got nominated by Royal Life Saving NSW,” she said.

“It was a big event, so I was nervous but I am proud of what I did.”


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